NJC Overrules Benue Assembly Over Sack Of Chief Judge

By Ayodele Oni

The body which is responsible for appointing, discipline and sack of Judicial officers, the National Judicial Council (NJC), has ruled that the Chief Judge of Benue State Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains in office until found guilty of allegations against her.

The NJC voided Benue State House of Assembly on its purported resolution which recommended the removal of the Chief Judge of the State from office.

The Council, while faulting the recommendations for being unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional, drew the attention of the Benue State lawmakers to the clear and unambiguous constitutional provisions guiding discipline and appointment of judicial officers in the country.

In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, the NJC maintained that Justice Maurice Ikpambese remains the Chief Judge until complaint against her are investigated and legal steps taken on the complaint.

The statement signed by NJC Deputy Director of Information, Barrister Kemi Ogedengbe read in part:  “The attention of the National Judicial Council has been drawn to a certain media report to the effect that the Benue State House of Assembly has purportedly passed

a Resolution recommending the removal of the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Maurice Ikpambese from office.

“Unfortunate as this development is, Council wishes to reiterate that there are clear and unambiguous provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 on discipline and appointment of Judicial

Officers vested in the Council, which clearly are not adhered to in the instant case.”

The NJC admitted receiving a petition on Wednesday against the Chief Judge, but said that the allegations have not been investigated in line with its  procedures and principles of fair hearing.

NJC maintained that until the complaint is investigated and the Chief Judge found wanting, she remains in office as the Chief Judge.